Our NOLA Nuptials: Making it Official (Part 2)

After we took our vows, we were all smiles. I mean, how could you NOT be? We were MARRIED! Eek!

However, we forgot one key thing. We were still in church, where you are supposed to pretty much be quiet and pay attention, but we were busting at the seams in happiness. So, what did we do?

Whisper about it and stare at our hands. Ooo..new bling! BUSTED by our photographer!

I wonder if my mom was thinking about tapping me on the shoulder to make me pay more attention to the blessing of the Eucharist.

Then, it was time for us to give our parents flowers. My huge veil covered any emotions that could be shown, but I’ll give you the play by play in words.

Mom was tearing up when Mr. Ballet Flat and I brought the rose. Let’s note, up to this point, I was a calm and composed Ballet Flat. Dangit MOM! I broke down. I’m glad my photographer didn’t catch the ugly cry face haha!

After we gave our parents roses, it was time to present a rose to Mary. I was still pretty out of my element here, worrying about my dress potentially catching on fire from all of the candles. I sort of forgot to kneel and say a prayer. Oops again!

After the Mass was finished, our Priest gave Mr. Ballet Flat the cue to go in for the kill haha! This was a debated topic for Mr. Ballet Flat and I – what is a church kiss? We ended up keeping it to a simple kiss, since we figured that we could totally make-out in the limo in a few minutes!

I couldn’t believe that the ceremony was completely over! I also was so surprised at how many people came out to see us. I was all smiles to see family and friends, especially those I haven’t seen in a long time! My Parrain (Cajun French term for Godfather) even came out. I haven’t seen him in 10 years since he moved away!

It was so great! I was so excited to talk to them all at the reception! I was also really excited about having a police escort. I felt pretty darn special!

I love this picture. I saw our photographer and immediately thought to smile! At the same time, Mr. Ballet Flat just looks so candidly happy!

Once we got outside, it began to sink in even more thanks to our family and friends!

Images courtesy of Amanda Meyer Photography

Previous recaps:
Our NOLA Nuptials: The Bridals
Our NOLA Nuptials: Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!
Our NOLA Nuptials: Practice Makes Perfect
Our NOLA Nuptials: It Was All a Blur
Our NOLA Nuptials: Poof, Spray and a Lie
Our NOLA Nuptials: The Finishing Touches
Our NOLA Nuptials: Walk it Out
Our NOLA Nuptials: Making it Official (Part 1)

Our NOLA Nuptials: Making it Official (Part 1)

After a successful walk down the aisle, it was time to make it official. Mr. Ballet Flat and I are both Catholic, so we had a full Mass for our ceremony.

Since we were married before the Pentecost, the church was still decorated for the Easter season. I’ll give you this picture in color, since it is absolutely beautiful.

I loved all of the Easter arrangements that adorned the Altar.

These Easter flags were placed along the ceiling beams of the church.
I just thought the decor was truly breath-taking and didn’t require us to buy many arrangements at all.

A truly great budget idea for Catholic brides: if you get married around Christmas or after Easter (since most Catholic churches won’t hold marriages during the Lenten season), keep in mind that the church will be decorated for those seasons with their own arrangements. Plus, it makes it a little more special that you are getting married during such an important part of the Church’s liturgical year.

For us, we purchased simple pew bows, as seen above and two altar arrangements, which were placed near the stairs of the altar on each side. Sadly, I don’t have any pictures of those.

Ok, back to the black/whites and getting hitched! (I like using the black/whites to highlight the ceremony, since it feels a little more like you’re in a dream. Call me weird!)

Mr. Ballet Flat and I paid close attention to the readings that we chose. It was hard to believe that in a few short minutes, we would be taking our vows.

After the readings and the Gospel were said, along with a short and sweet homily from our priest, it was time!

*Gulp*…here goes! Look at us! As the Joker would say, “Why so serious?” Haha!

MUCH better! Mr. Ballet Flat grabbed the wrong hand, anxiously going for the left to place the ring, instead of the right to say a prayer, and for some reason, I was so nervous that I busted at the seams in laughter. It was obviously contagious!

We’re all smiles now. This is so awesome! I’m happy to say, I didn’t stumble on my words, but I probably wasn’t talking very loud. I was still a little nervous! I’m not good at being the center of attention, so I’m sure underneath the make-up, I’m all sorts of red in the face!

Don’t you just love this shot? I’m not sure why I’m holding my pinky up, maybe I thought it would look somewhat dainty.

Even though this took a matter of minutes, it felt like time just slowed down, and even though this was in front of 150 of our closest family and friends, towards the end, it felt like it was just us.

We were now official, and about to get totally busted. Oops..stay tuned!

Images courtesy of Amanda Meyer Photography

Previous recaps:
Our NOLA Nuptials: The Bridals
Our NOLA Nuptials: Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!
Our NOLA Nuptials: Practice Makes Perfect
Our NOLA Nuptials: It Was All a Blur
Our NOLA Nuptials: Poof, Spray and a Lie
Our NOLA Nuptials: The Finishing Touches
Our NOLA Nuptials: Walk it Out

Our NOLA Nuptials: Walk it out

After we ladies got glammed up, it was time to get in the limos and head to the church. The great thing is, my parents live less than a mile away from the church, so it took literally no time to get to the church.

My bridesmaids and I walked in the church and stood in a small area between the two sets of double doors and just kept saying things like “Holy cow!”, “Don’t cry!”, “I can’t believe it!”, etc. During this time, Mr. Ballet Flat and I’s supportive parents and grandparents walked down the aisle.

The girls and I were all getting crazy butterflies, checking each other’s makeup and hair to calm our nerves, and then suddenly, the organist started playing “Canon in D”. It was time to walk it out.

First, the beautiful Miss K went. Next to her is Mr. A, one of Mr. Ballet Flat’s closest friends.

Then, it was time for Miss J to go. This is Mr. B, Mr. Ballet Flat’s cousin. Aren’t their smiles amazing? I LOVE this picture!

Then, of course Miss R went. She was beaming. I think she was still excited over being pampered…she LOVED getting her hair and make-up done. Ok, maybe she was excited about her oldest sister getting married…who knows? This is Mr. G, Mr. Ballet Flat’s cousin.

Then, it was Mizz K’s turn to shine. Isn’t she gorgeous? Man, these ladies are seriously outshining me right now. This is Mr. J, Mr. Ballet Flat’s brother and best man.

Oh gosh. The cuteness has unleashed. This is Mr. J’s son, who at a crazy mature 3 years old, walked perfectly down the aisle, flashed smiles and held that pillow like a pro! Golly, isn’t he a cutie? I had people ask me after the ceremony why I let this cute young man steal my thunder. Go ahead, say “aww”.

Oh boy, oh boy. Is it time already? I think it is. Mr. Ballet Flat is ready!

The organist started playing louder and everyone stood up. Another, ‘I’m a bride’ moment happened. My thinking was something like, Daddy, please hold me tight…I don’t want to fall. This Ballet Flat in heels can be a disaster.

Mr. Ballet Flat approves of the wedding look! Hehehe…he’s so happy!

Ok, let me look down a bit to make sure I’m not going to trip over anything. Sorry Mr. Ballet Flat, I’m really nervous here. I remember Daddy Ballet Flat was telling me to just breathe normally and most importantly, not to cry.

After making it halfway down the aisle, it was time to embrace this walk, flash my groom a smile and work it! I got this…no tripping allowed!

Whew! The finish line!

Daddy Ballet Flat happily flashed my groom a smile, a handshake-hug thing (you know how guys hug..it’s the cool thing to do), and gave me the biggest hug I’ve gotten from him since I graduated from college.

Can we say SERIOUS butterflies here? This was the moment I first touched my groom at the wedding…wow! I was overwhelmingly happy here!

Oh wow you guys, after 14 months of planning, tons of wedding dreams, this was real; it was finally time to get married!

Stay tuned folks, there’s a ceremony about to take place!

Images courtesy of Amanda Meyer Photography

Previous Recaps:
Our NOLA Nuptials: The Bridals
Our NOLA Nuptials: Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!
Our NOLA Nuptials: Practice Makes Perfect
Our NOLA Nuptials: It Was All a Blur
Our NOLA Nuptials: Poof, Spray and a Lie
Our NOLA Nuptials: The Finishing Touches

Our NOLA Nuptials: Some Afterthoughts

After we left the church, we stayed outside with all of our family and friends leaving the church to thank them. The photographer caught quite a few of these, but here are the most notable thoughts that I had going in my head during those Kodak moments.

Dearest Mizz K,
Thank you for allowing me to be a party pooper at 2am in NOLA. I know you gals could have lasted longer, but, check it out, I have no under-eye circles due to a serious lack of sleep. I also thank you for being SO helpful that morning of the wedding. My head was in Dreamland, so I needed a dose of reality.

Dearest Miss R,
Thank you for being a great sister and friend. I know we’re almost 10 years apart, but me and you relate on so many other levels. I’m sure you are smiling here and repeatedly thanking Mr. Ballet Flat, because we once shared a room at our parent’s house and now it’s all yours. You’re welcome.

My dear Memaw,
I know it was difficult for you, but I’m so glad that you were able to come to the rehearsal dinner AND the wedding! You looked so beautiful and super happy! I love you.

My dearest best friend from high school,
Gosh doggit! You brought a cute, adorable baby to the wedding. I think I just melted. ::must resist baby fever::

Dear Weather,
Thank you for steering away the impending tropical wave that was supposed to slam NOLA with rain. However, you didn’t have to be so extreme with the sun. Squinting and smiling is too difficult! I should have brought sunglasses.

Stay tuned for a first look at our reception!

Images courtesy of Amanda Meyer Photography

Previous recaps:
Our NOLA Nuptials: The Bridals
Our NOLA Nuptials: Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!
Our NOLA Nuptials: Practice Makes Perfect
Our NOLA Nuptials: It Was All a Blur
Our NOLA Nuptials: Poof, Spray and a Lie
Our NOLA Nuptials: The Finishing Touches
Our NOLA Nuptials: Walk it Out
Our NOLA Nuptials: Making it Official (Part 1)
Our NOLA Nuptials: Making it Official (Part 2)

Our NOLA Nuptials: The Finishing Touches

Oh my goodness, does time fly! It’s been far too long since a recap from this ‘bee blogger!

Where were we? Ah yes, after the miraculous poofs, sprays and the whole getting dressed thing, more people started to arrive.

Daddy Ballet Flat finished mowing the lawn, so it was time for him to come inside and get himself all gussied up. Then, the florist came to drop off my highly anticipated flowers! I was so excited and busy, that I took one look at the box of flowers, gushed a HUGE smile and then, the florist left to go to the church to decorate there.

Look at these gorgeous blooms!
Please disregard that the bouquets are in a toilet paper box. Who said the packaging of the flowers mattered anyway?

Those were the bouquets for my bridesmaids, and mine? Simply awesome.After adoring my bouquet for a few minutes, something seemed very off. My stomach sunk. Where was my great-grandmother’s rosary?

We searched everywhere in the box, as I got my sister to find my cell phone so we could call the florist to try to find answers. She didn’t answer the phone.

I just start thinking in the back of my head of how horrible it would be if she lost the rosary. My grandmother, mother and aunts would be heartbroken. You can’t replace things like that, obviously, and I was just in a nervous panic, until she called back.

My sister picked up the phone to talk to her, trying to just eliminate any extra stress on me. She hands me the phone and tells me that I should really talk to her. I get on the phone, and my florist is bawling. My stomach sinks yet again. My florist put the rosary in another bride’s bouquet. She assured me that the bride was someone seemingly nice, and she would get it back to me.

While I knew I wasn’t going to have the rosary for my wedding day, I realized I needed to just let this roll off my shoulders and worry about it tomorrow. There was nothing I could do about it and there was NO way I’d let this ruin the big day!

Momma Ballet Flat told me to go sit down and relax a little while. However, I couldn’t just plop down, oh no. Momma BF was not going to let a wrinkle get in my dress, so she helped me to arrange my dress in a completely sprawled out fashion.

Man, those corset dresses sure make it look like I have a flat stomach hehe!

Surely, I couldn’t be a bare-footed bride. However with that corset, I couldn’t bend over to put my own shoes on! Never fear! Bridesmaids to the rescue!

And finally, the part where I REALLY felt like a bride. My beautiful veil!

We were picture perfect, happy and ready to get to the church!

Right after this, my photographer left to give Mr. Ballet Flat my note to him. His reaction? I think a picture says a thousand words..

It looks like something set in for him as well. He was about to be a GROOM!

Images courtesy of Amanda Meyer Photography

Previous Recaps:
Our NOLA Nuptials: The Bridals
Our NOLA Nuptials: Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!
Our NOLA Nuptials: Practice Makes Perfect
Our NOLA Nuptials: It Was All a Blur
Our NOLA Nuptials: Poof, Spray and a Lie

Stay tuned to see if I tripped down the aisle….. or not.

Our NOLA Nuptials: Poof, Spray and a Lie…

The day started for us at 7:45am. As always, I snoozed my alarm a few times and finally rolled out of bed. Yes, folks, I slept pretty darn soundly the night before our big day! This Ballet Flat was tired and sleep is always welcome!

The hair/make-up people were scheduled to show up at 8:30, so it was no rush to brush my teeth and tie my hair back. Ahh…so convenient to have them come to my parents’ house!

Momma Ballet Flat was already awake scrambling eggs (scramble bambles as we always call them!) and taking orders haha! No, my mom isn’t my personal cook, but she knew I probably would forget to eat and likes to constantly inform her children that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Hilariously, Daddy Ballet Flat woke up and started mowing the lawn. I guess the Ballet Flat household needs pretty, cut grass on such an important day.

As soon as they showed up, they were ready to transform our crazy, just woke up selves into, well, some hotties! Check out that hot make-up job on Miss K and as for me? I’m probably scarfing down scramble bambles at this moment…I don’t even have my button down shirt on yet!

Image courtesy of Miss K

Now, allow me to explain the poof and spray of wedding day beauty. We did some things out of the ordinary here. Normally, I just straighten my hair for an occasion and just leave it at that. Easy peasy. Well, for a wedding, one must have a poof!

Here is Miss J modeling the poof. The poof became our little inside joke of the day since everyone ended up getting a poof, and it just seemed to magically make us look wedding worthy.

Image courtesy of Mizz K.

The spray is something completely new to me. I’m used to slathering on liquid foundation, only to have it fade away within 4-5 hours. That wasn’t gonna fly with this bride. When I read about air brush foundation, I was very intrigued. I kept reading reviews about how it stayed on all day, even in Louisiana. When I went to my trial, they used air brush on me, and it really did stay put on me all day (and my bridals were taken outside). I knew it was a miracle product, so I insisted that we use that on the wedding day!

Check out Miss R getting that spray!

Image courtesy of Miss J

Here’s a graceful looking Mizz K getting her hair done. Doesn’t she just look gorgeous?

Image courtesy of Mizz K

Now, let’s compare. Graceful Mizz K…Wild Thing Ballet Flat. I was getting the poof done here, obviously. I think if I walked down the aisle with this particular look, Mr. Ballet Flat would have ran to the levee and kept going. So, uh, let’s just keep this picture here our little secret, mkay?

The things we go through for beauty….

Image courtesy of Miss K

Even Miss J experienced a bit of Wild Thing while getting her poof. Don’t be too scared..I promise Miss J is a really nice gal.

Image courtesy of Miss K

Wow…the poof and spray really do work miracles, eh? Aren’t these gals GORGEOUS?

I have to give total and complete beauty credit to the ladies at Get Polished. They do amazing work and were a thrill to work with!

Image courtesy of Miss J

After the hair and make-up was done, it was time to get into our attire. My dress had a corset back, and Momma Ballet Flat decided to take on the task to get me in the dress. I think she used this time as one of those moments where parents get revenge on all the trouble their children caused them.

Momma BF: Ok, time for a BIG pull! (thinks about all those times I ran away from her in Wal-Mart)
Me: OW!
Momma BF: Oh, sorry dear. Can you breathe?
Me: (recovering) Yes…
Momma BF: Good…here we go again! (thinks about the time I came home with a double red card in kindergarten for talking back to the teacher…twice)

Image courtesy of Miss K

I look so uncomfortable there haha! I was probably bracing myself for a big pull!

After I was in the dress, I decided to take out my little white lie. I bought a card for my husband after we swore up and down not to give each other ANYTHING for the wedding. It wasn’t a huge deal, but I wanted to give him a little something before we walked down the aisle.

I wrote him a note with so many butterflies going around in my stomach, that I can’t even remotely remember what I wrote to him. I’m sure the card is somewhere in our Ballet Flat household, but I’m not about to sort around to find it since we are getting ready for a garage sale.

Image courtesy of Amanda Meyer Photography

You want to know how he reacted? Well, that’s a whole ‘nother recap. You know I like to keep you on your tippy toes!

Previous recaps:
Our NOLA Nuptials: The Bridals
Our NOLA Nuptials: Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!
Our NOLA Nuptials: Practice Makes Perfect
Our NOLA Nuptials: It Was All a Blur

Stay tuned for the finishing touches and my scariest moment of the day!

Our NOLA Nuptials: It was all a blur..

I can’t believe it’s been over two months since our big day. I’m sure you are all thinking, dang Ballet Flat, it’s about TIME you give us some wedding action! I’m here to (finally) happily share with you our wedding day.

First off, our wedding day for me was a blur. When we got to our hotel, I even asked Mr. BF,  “What just happened?” I just couldn’t remember much because it just happened so fast. All that I remembered at the time was this huge burst of wonderful emotions and thoughts.

It was after viewing pictures, however, that I finally could separate and distinctly remember every wonderful moment. Here are a few of my favorites in pictures.

All pictures taken by Amanda Meyer Photography unless otherwise listed.

I felt butterflies.

Image taken by Mizz K.

I felt famous (at least in my neighborhood).

Another image by Mizz K.

I didn’t trip.

I laughed off mistakes.

I forgot all about my diet.

I got shy in front of my husband.

And my favorite of all?

I felt my knees buckle.

Previous recaps:
Our NOLA Nuptials: The Bridals
Our NOLA Nuptials: Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!
Our NOLA Nuptials: Practice Makes Perfect

Stay tuned…the morning was truly transforming and…… I might have lied to my husband on our wedding day.

Our NOLA Nuptials: Practice Makes Perfect

After a girls night out, it was time to get down to business! I was nervous about the rehearsal, because, well, you practice this once and I didn’t want to be the bride who messed it up!

The evening, once again, had traffic issues. There was a bad accident on the Interstate so all of Mr. BF’s side didn’t make it to the church on time. I wasn’t nervous that Mr. BF was bailing on me, but I was worried that we were keeping the priest too long.

Also, here is my stupid bride moment…I never communicated to everyone the actual rehearsal time. I just figured everyone kind of knew…ugh. I thought all of the information was listed on the invite (which MIL graciously made, but I didn’t proofread close enough), so a couple of people didn’t make it to the actual rehearsal, just the dinner. In fact, Brother BF pulled up in our driveway right before we left for the church with Subway in hand (yep, he was gonna eat dinner with us afterwards, too….ah, boys!)..so brides, do not forget to mention the time of the ACTUAL rehearsal. Whoopsie!

So, after Mr. BF and his family showed up, it was time to get the show on the road. The priest first gave us a run-down verbally of what would happen and then we practiced it. Here we are at the altar with Mizz K and Best Man BF (who is Mr. BF’s brother).

Note the heels…those are some sassy shoes for me, but yes, those did NOT stay on my feet the whole evening. I ended up stopping home to put on my black ballet flats on the way to the actual dinner. Owweee!

After all was said and done, we decided to fill out our marriage license so we wouldn’t have to deal with all those papers at the ceremony. Mr. BF looks weary to be signing his life away .

I have to brag on Mizz K. Check out the killer ribbon bouquet she made for me. Ignore her silly drama face. She does that sometimes.

After changing into my ballet flats, we headed out to our dinner. I’m a little too excited about the food!

However, we were a little let down. Our rehearsal dinner coordinator was switched on us a week before the dinner, and the new coordinator really didn’t follow our contract. A lot of the food ended up being a few pieces of meat and TONS of carbs. Not cool….at all. Noodles and mashed potatoes with salad was the majority of my dinner. Brother BF shares my sentiment.

When everyone was finishing up their dinners, I decided to walk around and socialize since my feet were rather comfy and people looked pretty excited. Here’s me and Mizz K.

After a while, I decided to sit down and behave since it was time to give the toasts. I also promised myself no ugly cry face, so I took in the toasts with tons of happiness and no tears! Here’s Mizz K giving her toast.

After everyone gave their toasts, Mr. BF said it was our turn. *Gulp*

Mr. BF did a great job, and I can’t remember how I did. All I kept thinking was maybe I should have gulped more champagne to calm my nerves.

After everyone was good and champagned, Mr. BF and I decided to present our bridal party with gifts.

I ended up giving my girls their jewelry, bedazzled flip flops, and fleur de lis note cards (made with Gocco and colorful Paper Source materials), which you can see in Mizz K’s picture below (the cards are on her lap). She was very touched by the gifts and says she still wears the jewelry to this day (and gets compliments…woo! Go me!).

My bridesmaids loved the gifts too!

After that, the desserts were brought out. Oh boy, there was no shortage on those. You better believe I attacked dessert. Momma BF and I shared a cheesecake napoleon slice (cheesecake layer in the middle of shortcake). Nom!

Now you know after dessert we were more than willing to pose for pictures. Here I am with Miss R, Mizz K, Miss J and Miss K.

And here are the beautiful ladies of the BF family.

As you can see, there was a good time to be had by all. After all the desserts were attacked, it was time to head home. After all, there was a big day coming up….and it was going to start early!

Previous recaps:
Our NOLA Nuptials: Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!
Our NOLA Nuptials: The Bridals

Stay tuned! I got a big day to tell you all about!